SQF

Samoa Qualifications Framework

The Samoa Qualifications Framework is a classification structure indicating the levels and types of quality assured qualifications.

The Samoa Qualifications Framework:

Provides a structure for establishing national equivalence and comparability of qualifications

Defines knowledge, skills, processes and competencies of qualifications at each level;

Facilitates the matching of skills demanded and supply of skilled workers;

Provides opportunities for career development and clear and flexible pathways;

Facilitates the recognition of prior learning;

Provides opportunities to facilitate the pursuit of lifelong learning;

Refer to SQF Policies for more information on the SQF;

The SQF is responsive to and accommodates a diversity of individual, academic and workplace needs.

The SQF recognises regional and local differences, without losing transparency at the national level.

It is robust and flexible and improves understanding and acceptance of all qualifications through reinforcing dialogue within providers, between providers and with employers and other relevant stakeholders.

he SQF has the following structure

The SQF is structured to allow the greatest level of flexibility for people and providers of PSET. For example, a qualification or program at level III may include components of qualifications from higher or lower levels, according to guidelines set out in the qualification description. Higher level qualifications may include components from levels higher or lower, subject to the qualification definition guidelines.The SQF is also structured to provide people with pathways through and between work and further study.

Each level is characterized by level descriptors that define the qualification in terms of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skill. Each qualification is also defined in terms of its purpose, outcomes, credit value, components, and in the case of levels 7-10, entry criteria and relationship to other qualifications. Qualifications components at higher or lower levels can be incorporated into qualifications according to guidelines set in the credit point description of each qualification level

Registration of Qualifications on the SQF

Every qualification to be registered on the SQF must meet all the Criteria for Qualification Registration.

For every Samoa Qualification, the individual NCS will also be recorded on the SQF. Individual NCS do not stand alone on the SQF- they are recorded as part of a Samoa Qualification.

Prior to the registration onto the SQF of qualifications at levels VII and above, SQA may consult relevant overseas institutions to establish the international academic and professional credibility of the proposed qualification.

Individual courses and other components of Provider or Organisation Qualifications cannot be registered on the SQF. The SQF recognizes complete qualifications only, whilst recording the components of Samoa Qualifications. A summary of Provider/Organization Qualifications component details may be recorded on the SQF where the Provider agrees to this and where the information is presented in a format approved by SQA.

All qualifications registered on the SQF are recorded in the Quality Assured Qualifications Register. In the case of National Qualifications, the NCS that comprise that qualification are also recorded in the Quality Assured Qualifications Register.